33145 research outputs found
Sort by
A threat-complexity hypothesis of conspiracy thinking during the COVID-19 pandemic: Cross-national and longitudinal evidence of a three-way interaction effect of financial strain, disempowerment and paranoia
No full textOne way to cope with crises is by attributing their ultimate causes to malevolent conspiracies. As crises are rarely simple, and may involve an interplay between multiple, co-occurring threats, we suggest that conspiracy thinking mainly occurs among individuals who experience conditions of threat complexity – such as socioeconomic vulnerability paired with a sense of helplessness in society, and who are also sufficiently paranoid to infer a conspiracy. In the present study, we focused on financial strain and disempowerment, as two relevant threats which were both dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and hypothesized a three-way interaction between financial strain, disempowerment and paranoia in predicting conspiracy thinking. This hypothesis was supported in both cross-national (N = 64,130) and longitudinal data (N = 11,159), collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications of the results for understanding the tendency to reduce multiple threats to a single cause are discussed
Reference Intervals and innovative parameters using Sysmex XN-2000V in horses
No full textThe evaluation of the hemogram is a key component in diagnosing diseases and monitoring animal health. This study aims to establish reference intervals (RIs) for healthy horses using a next-generation hematology analyzer designed for veterinary medicine (Sysmex XN-2000V). In addition to conventional hemogram parameters, this instrument provides innovative indices such as immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) and can determine platelet count by three methods: impedance (PLT-I), optical (PLT-O), and fluorescence (PLT-F). Moreover, a specific fluorescent platelet channel can determine an important thrombopoietic marker named immature platelets fraction (IPF).
For this study, hemograms from 50 clinically healthy adult horses were analyzed. Mean, median and standard deviation were assessed, and RIs were calculated using the percentile method (2.5%; 97.5%). The following RIs were determined: HCT (26.94–39.24 %), HGB (9.89–14.10 g/dl), RBC (5.5–8.3 10^6/μL), MCH (15.52–17.90 g/dl), MCHC (34.16–37.40 g/dl), MCV (43.13–50.04 fL), RDW (19.4–22.27 %), RET-HE (18.90–24.50 pg), RETICULOCYTES (0.05–0.22 %), RPI (0.00–0.10), WBC (4.50–8.70 10^3/μL), corrected WBC (4.50–8.70 10^3/μL), BAS (0.00–0.10 10^3//μL), EOS (0.00–0.30 10^3/μL), LYMPH (1.30–3.47 10^3/μL), MON (0.20–0.40 10^3/μL), NEU (2.40–5.41 10^3/μL), MPV (7.12–8.70 fL), PCT (0.08–0.13 %), PLT-I (61.20–152.80 10^3/μL), PLT-O (96.90–170.00 10^3/μL), PLT-F (96.75–160.60 10^3/μL), HFR (0.00–11.40 %), IRF (0.00–11.8 7%), LFR (59.95–100.00 %), MFR (0.00–2.14%), IPF (0.30–4.06 %), PDW (6.51–15.21 fL), P-LCR (4.32–15.21 %), IPF# (0.4–4.14 10^3/μL).
Establishing species-specific RIs based on the analytical instrument used is essential for accurately assessing the health status of both healthy and diseased horses, covering both standard and innovative parameters.
[1] O. Jornet-Rius, M. Mesalles-Naranjo and J. Pastor, “Performance of the Sysmex XN-V hematology analyzer in determining the immature platelet fraction in dogs: A preliminary study and reference values”, Vet. Clin. Pathol., vol 52, pp. 433-442, 2023
[2] K.R. Friedrichs, K.E. Harr, K.P. Freeman, B. Szladovits, R.M. Walton, K.F Barnhart and J. Blanco-Chavez, “ASVCP reference interval guidelines: determination of de novo reference intervals in veterinary species and other related topics”, Vet. Clin. Pathol, vol. 41, pp. 441-453, 2012
[3] A. Gavazza, C. Fani, C. Masci and G. Rossi, “Performance of platelet determination using the Sysmex XN 2000V analyzer and reference intervals in horses”, Proc. 26th ESVCP Congress, Budapest, pp. 140, August 2024
[4] M. Quagliardi, L. Galosi, G. Rossi, A. Roncarati and A. Gavazza, “Reference Intervals (RIs) in Veterinary Medicine”, ACTA IMEKO, vol 13, pp 1 – 5, 202
Antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibitory activity and HPLC-MS/MS phenolics profiles in Salvia aegyptiaca L. (Lamiaceae, Nepetoideae, Mentheae) growing in Tunisia
No full textThe present study aimed to assess for the first time the antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of phenolic secondary metabolites of Tunisian Salvia aegyptiaca extracted using different solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and hexane). The phytochemical composition was examined via HPLC-MS/MS. The evaluation of the antioxidant effects involved the utilization of multiple techniques including phosphomolybdenum, antiradical (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power (FRAP and CUPRAC), and ferrous chelating assays. Additionally, the inhibitory activity was tested on different enzymes: α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase.
The HPLC examination of various extracts revealed the quantification of 11 phenolic acids, 11 flavonoids, along with ellagic and trans-cinnamic acids. The chloroform extract was predominated by the presence of syringic acid (4665.38 mg/Kg) while the highest accumulation of caffeic acid (3058.47 and 2593.19 mg/Kg), kaempferol (4675.33 and 4025.04 mg/Kg) and hesperidin (8449.26 and 3705.82 mg/Kg) were recorded in methanol and ethyl acetate, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that the Tunisian S. aegyptiaca extracts exhibited a notable α-amylase and α-glycosidase inhibitory capabilities. It is worthy to note that the crude methanolic extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant properties, and it was the richest source of total phenolic constituents
Development of whole-soil microbial inoculants based on solid-phase fermentation for the regeneration of the functioning of vineyard soils
No full textAchieving the sustainability of modern agriculture will require, among other actions, an improvement of the soil and its associated microbiota. One way to achieve this is through the inoculation with beneficial soil microbial communities. In this study, we used solid-phase fermentations to produce 25 distinct microbial inoculants based on complex communities obtained from the rhizosphere of 23 European vineyards. For this purpose, we mixed 0.1 g of donor rhizosphere soil and 25 g of ground and sterilized growing substrate composed of winemaking byproducts in 15-cm Petri dishes. Aerobic fermentations were carried out for a period of 56 days and the activity of microbial enzymes linked to the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur was evaluated every two weeks. We then carried out a common garden experiment where the inoculants were tested in pots containing vineyard soil and planted with Tempranillo vines. During the fermentation, the enzyme activity of the inoculants evolved from no activity to high-activity values. Carbon- and phosphorus-linked enzymes tended to show higher activity after 14 days of incubation and then decreased or remained constant, while nitrogen-linked enzymes tended to show their highest values after 28 days of incubation. Despite these general patterns, inoculants developed from different rhizosphere communities followed different trajectories in terms of activity. In addition, we observed significant relationships between the enzyme activity of donor rhizosphere soils and the enzyme activity of inoculants, especially after 28 days of incubation. We also found a significant relationship between the enzyme activity of the inoculants and the enzyme activity measured in the soil of pots containing vines. Our results suggest the possibility of predicting the metabolic potential of the inoculants from the metabolic potential of their donor soil sample, as well as the possibility of transferring these metabolic capabilities to soils, with likely applications for the regeneration of the functioning of vineyards
Life and health rights for italy’s disabled without caregivers
Get PDFBackground. Individuals with severe disabilities face significant challenges when left without parental or familial support. Italian Law 112 of 2016, commonly referred to as the “After Us” law, was introduced to address these issues by ensuring long-term care and economic security for disabled individuals. Eight years after its enactment, there is a need to assess the law’s effectiveness and whether the allocated resources meet the needs of the intended beneficiaries. Methods. This study provides a detailed examination of the “After Us” law, focusing on key protective measures designed to prevent the institutionalization of disabled individuals and support independent living. The analysis includes a review of co-housing options, accessible living facilities, and training programs aimed at fostering autonomy. Additionally, a thorough investigation into the law’s application is conducted, incorporating an analysis of relevant decrees, state funding mechanisms, regional implementation strategies, and the financial audit conducted by the Court of Auditors. Results. The analysis reveals both the strengths and limitations of the “After Us” law. While the law provides essential protective measures, such as housing options and independent living support, regional disparities in implementation and varying levels of state funding have affected its overall impact. Furthermore, the financial review suggests that the allocated funds may not be sufficient to ensure the law’s full and equitable application across Italy. Conclusions. The study underscores the importance of consistent and comprehensive social policies in safeguarding the welfare of individuals with severe disabilities. While the “After Us” law represents a significant step forward, uniform implementation across Italy remains a challenge. Additionally, comparisons with similar regulations in other European countries suggest that further improvements are necessary to ensure long-term care and economic security for disabled individuals throughout the European Union
Urban Greening and Local Planning in Italy: A Comparative Study Exploring the Possibility of Sustainable Integration Between Urban Plans
Get PDFUrban green planning in Europe is of crucial importance for the sustainability of cities. Despite the existence of numerous best practices, in Italy the integration between green plans and urban planning tools still presents difficulties. This study focused on an
analysis of Italian case studies that have engaged in innovative urban planning, assigning green areas a strategic role in the development of cities. The comparative analysis involved the green plans of Torino and Bolzano and the local urban plans of Prato and Bologna.
The selection of cases was based on a multifaceted evaluation framework encompassing reference regulatory context, plan nature, environmental characterisation, vision and main objectives, priorities and implementation tools, communication and participation, and
monitoring and management. Analysis of these case studies led to the identification of best practices for integrating human and environmental dimensions in local urban planning.
However, the results indicate that integration of urban greening and local planning policies
is frequently impeded by regulatory discrepancies and the varying impact capabilities of urban planning instruments. Despite the limited nature of the sample analysed, the study proposes a model of synergy between urban greening and local planning, suggesting an
opportunity to create innovative interpretative and evaluative criteria for regulatory plans
Tuning the nanostructure and tribological properties of a non-ionic deep eutectic solvent with water addition
No full textHypothesis: The addition of water to a non-ionic N-oxide deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of phenylacetic acid (PhAA) and N-dodecylmorpholine-N-oxide (MO-12) in a 1:1 M ratio (PhAA/MO-12) will promote interfacial nanostructure formation due to increased proton transfer and solvophobic interactions, leading to reduced friction. Experiments: The interfacial structure and friction of PhAA/MO-12 with water content up to 41.9 wt% were investigated at mica surfaces. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure normal force-separation profiles, lateral images, and nanoscale friction. Findings: Conductivity increases over twentyfold with the addition of 23.6 wt% water. AFM force curves reveal that increasing water content in PhAA/MO-12 leads to a more pronounced interfacial structure with steps extending further into the bulk. High-resolution near-surface images show a well-defined sponge-like nanostructure at 23.6 wt% water, which is absent in the neat DES. The enhanced nanostructure is attributed to increased proton transfer from PhAA to MO-12 and segregation of polar and apolar domains driven by water strengthened solvophobic interactions. Friction reduces up to 72 % for >= 7.0 wt% water compared to the neat DES, due to a more robust boundary layer facilitated by water
Legge e provvedimento: contendersi un campo di potere
No full textLo scritto indaga i numerosi modi in cui legge e provvedimento si contendono il campo della decisione
Diritto all'acqua e potere pubblico di pianificazione, programmazione e regolazione
No full textIl saggio tratta dell’evoluzione che ha riguardato il c.d. diritto all’acqua, nonché delle modalità di gestione della risorsa idrica e delle pretese riguardanti l’accesso all’acqua, anche in relazione all’integrità del patrimonio idrico (ambientale).
In effetti, a prescindere dalla positivizzazione di un individuale diritto alla salubrità dell’ambiente (di cui si dubita anche dopo le recenti modifiche agli art. 9 e 41 Cost.), alla luce della possibilità per il singolo di vantare pretese giuridicamente rilevanti rispetto a specifici elementi costituivi del sistema ambientale (specie in ragione dei riflessi negativi sulla salute), oggi pare possibile affermare l’esistenza di un vero e proprio diritto all’accesso all’acqua, inteso come aspettativa soddisfacibile perché protetta.
Più precisamente, il diritto in questione, invero già contemplato in alcune legislazioni in materia di risorsa idrica, sembra trovare ulteriore riconoscimento grazie alle recenti regole previste per garantire la “qualità” delle acque destinate al consumo umano (d.lgs. n. 18/2023)
Rocking during sleep reduces motor deficits and beta-amyloid levels in an Alzheimer's mouse model
No full textAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, beta-amyloid plaques, and tau tangles. Growing evidence suggests a strong link between sleep disturbances and AD progression, with disrupted sleep exacerbating AD progression through increased beta-amyloid and tau accumulation. This relationship indicates that improving sleep quality could slow disease progression and mitigate its effects on the brain. We investigated whether vestibular stimulation (rocking) could mitigate AD pathology in 3xTg mice (n = 58, males). Starting in early adulthood (p60), mice underwent 12-h daily rocking during the light period for four months. Rocking increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep initially, although habituation reduced this effect over time. Despite habituation, rocking slowed motor decline and reduced beta-amyloid levels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. However, tau levels remained unaffected. In conclusion, our findings highlight the potential of non-pharmacological methods to enhance NREM sleep and modify disease trajectory in AD models